By Victor Nwegede
The political landscape of Ebonyi State witnessed a significant realignment on Sunday as prominent stakeholders, youth leaders, women groups, and faith-based representatives in Ohaukwu Local Government Area formally endorsed Chief Barrister Tochukwu Ogalegu popularly known as T-Man for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
The endorsement followed a well-attended stakeholders’ engagement, where Ogalegu declared his intention to seek election to the National Assembly, drawing wide commendation for his humanitarian record, grassroots appeal, and emphasis on personality-driven leadership over party politics.
Leading the endorsements, Onyeoma Kelechi, speaking on behalf of Ohaukwu stakeholders, disclosed that extensive consultations had been conducted across wards and communities within the LGA to assess Ogalegu’s suitability for higher office.
According to him, the consensus was clear: Ogalegu’s long-standing commitment to job creation, youth empowerment, and educational support positions him as a credible alternative capable of redefining representation in Ebonyi State.
“Our consultations were wide and inclusive. We are convinced that Chief Ogalegu has both the capacity and the compassion to rescue and reposition Ebonyi and Ohaukwu Federal Constituency ,” Onyeoma said.
Adding a spiritual dimension to the endorsement, Pastor Charles Alaneme, of Living Faith Church, offered prayers for divine guidance and victory for Ogalegu, urging leaders to see political office as a platform for service rather than privilege.
He prayed for Ogalegu’s success at both the party primaries and the general election, describing his ambition as purpose-driven.
Speaking on behalf of women groups in the LGA, Onwe Lovelyn assured Ogalegu of unwavering support, promising massive mobilisation at the grassroots during the electioneering period.
She described him as a unifying figure and urged him to remain focused, noting that women across Ohaukwu were ready to play a decisive role in his victory.
Similarly, Charity Ali, Woman Leader of the Francis Frontiers Movement, Ohaukwu Chapter, praised Ogalegu’s generosity, empathy, and non-discriminatory approach to empowerment.
“He is a job and wealth creator who touches lives without prejudice. When he ascends political power, his good works will only multiply,” she said, referring to Ogalegu as “the light of Ohaukwu.”
In his address, Engineer Emmanuel Ezeobo, a public servant and academic, highlighted Ogalegu’s rare philanthropic interventions, particularly in employment facilitation and educational sponsorships, achieved without occupying any political office.
Ezeobo noted that Ogalegu had facilitated federal job placements for numerous graduates and sponsored senior secondary school examination fees for hundreds of students across multiple schools, including those from underprivileged backgrounds.
“If a man can do this much without holding public office, then his impact in government will be far greater,” Ezeobo asserted, urging constituents to vote based on competence and proven capacity rather than party affiliation.
Representing the youth constituency, Comrade Emmanuel Onah, National President of the Ohaukwu Youth General Assembly, described Ogalegu as a consistent benefactor of young people long before declaring political interest.
He revealed that over 400 youths in Ohaukwu LGA had secured employment through Ogalegu’s interventions, while more than 1,900 students benefited from examination sponsorships within the past year alone.
“This is not election charity. This is who he has always been,” Onah said, adding that Ohaukwu youths were prepared to reciprocate Ogalegu’s goodwill with electoral support if he secures his party’s ticket.
In his response, Chief Barrister Ogalegu said the gathering was convened to formally engage supporters and reaffirm the strength of the growing political movement behind his ambition.
He expressed strong confidence in his mission, attributing his journey to faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to service.
“Politics should not be about party labels but about what you have done and what you can still do for the people,” Ogalegu said.
He maintained that integrity, transparency, and verifiable performance would remain the pillars of his campaign, pledging a people-focused, door-to-door engagement strategy anchored on accountability and measurable impact.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the growing coalition of stakeholders behind Ogalegu signals what observers describe as an emerging grassroots-driven movement capable of reshaping political representation in Ebonyi State.
